Indivisible
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Indivisible chronicles a family's experience as undocumented workers. Author Daniel Aleman meticulously portrays the process many migrants must suffer through. There's infrequent strong language ("s---ty," "hell," "damn") and teens drink wine coolers and buy beers for themselves. Two boys have a romantic relationship with kissing and hand-holding. A teen girl uses a home pregnancy test.
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What's the Story?
At the start of INDIVISIBLE, Mexican American high school junior Mateo works at his parents' bodega in New York City. One day when Papa is away, two ICE agents come looking for Mateo's father. Meteo and his little sister Sophie hope the visit means nothing, but soon the family is threatened with deportation. Mateo and Sophie can stay for a while with a family friend, but before long they wear out their welcome. Sophie becomes increasingly depressed, and Mateo must make some hard choices about his family's safety and happiness.
Is It Any Good?
Immigration is a hot topic, and this heart-wrenching saga of one family's struggle as migrants is exciting and realistic. Daniel Aleman paints a well-detailed portrait of New York City, by turns magical and harrowing. Meteo, his sister, and their friends and family are brought vividly to life. The choices available to Mateo are difficult, but he faces them with courage and empathy. This novel is rich in incident and relatable to a wide range of readers. Aleman makes an impressive debut.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Indivisible portrays the issue of immigration in the U.S. Should everyone who wants to live here be allowed to do so? Should children be separated from their undocumented parents?
Why are some parents eager to have their children take over the family business? Why don't such arrangements always work out?
How would you feel if a close friend told you they were romantically interested in you?
Book Details
- Author: Daniel Aleman
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Activism, Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little Brown and Company
- Publication date: May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 28, 2021
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For kids who love immigrant and Latinx stories
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